Vehicle steering head

ABSTRACT

Vehicle steering head including a connecting element adapted to engage a handlebar. A support tube rotatably supports the connecting element. A connecting member is adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar. The connecting member is rotatable with respect to the support tube. A mechanism limits the rotational movement of the connecting member in each of two directions. A lower bearing support is mounted to the support tube. The mechanism and the lower bearing support cooperate to limit the rotational movement of the connecting member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/298,002 which was filed Nov. 18, 2002, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/092,516 filed Mar. 8, 2002which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/584,497 filedJun. 1, 2000, now patent number U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,884, the disclosuresof which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties. Further, the present application claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 of German Patent Application No. 299 11 652.2, filed onJul. 5, 1999, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle steering head and inparticular, to a steering head for a vehicle comprising a support tubewhich has rotatably supported therein a fork member to which a wheelcover and a handlebar can be secured.

[0004] 2. Discussion of Background Information

[0005] Vehicle steering heads of the above-described type are inparticular used in bicycles or tricycles, and in particular in tricyclesor bicycles for children.

[0006] In devices of the above-described type it is desirable for safetyreasons that accidents be avoided which may be caused by an excessivelylarge handlebar deflection. It has been found that when there is anexcessively large handlebar deflection (e.g., the handle bar rotatesbeyond a point where effective steering occurs), the vehicle may tilt tothe side. Moreover, such deflections or excessive rotation may run therisk that a user impacts his body against the handlebar. Additionally,the user may get caught with his/her feet in the front wheel and may beeven be injured by the pedals.

[0007] A further drawback or disadvantage of prior-art devices occurswhen they are pushed with a push rod type device. In such cases, thesedevices have a tendency towards uncontrolled steering movements of thefront wheel which cannot be mastered or effectively controlled by smallchildren, in particular.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention therefore provides a vehicle steering headof the above-mentioned type which is of a simple construction and whichcan operate in an easy and reliable manner. Moreover, this design avoidsthe drawbacks of the prior art and can in particular limit a handlebardeflection to a desired degree. The invention also has provision forlocking the handlebar.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention a latch element issecured to a fork member on a portion provided inside the support tube.A linkage element is supported in the support tube for rotationtherewith. The linkage element is displaceable or moveable in alongitudinal direction of the support tube. The linkage elementcomprises at least one stop surface which limits a rotation of the forkmember and can be brought into contact with the latch element. Moreover,the linkage element comprises at least one locking element which isreleasably connectable to the latch element.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention a latch element issupported on the support tube. A linkage element is arranged on the forkmember and connected to the tube for rotation therewith. The latchelement is freely displaceable or moveable along the support tube. Thelinkage element comprises at least one stop surface which limits arotation of the fork member and can be brought into contact with thesupport tube. Moreover, at least one latch element is provided that isreleasably connectable to the support tube.

[0011] The vehicle steering head according to the invention ischaracterized by a number of considerable advantages.

[0012] First of all, it is possible to install or utilize the steeringhead in a frame of any desired design, e.g. children's bicycles ortricycles. Ideally, the dimensions of the steering head are such thatthey do not interfere with the remaining structure of the frame withinwhich it is installed. Of course, the steering head may be combined withany and all common types of frames where ever its advantageous design isdesired. Accordingly, the steering head may be utilized in a variety ofdevices where limited deflection or rotation and/or locking are desired.

[0013] Because the invention utilizes a latch element which is arrangedin the support tube, no functional parts of the steering head need beoutwardly visible or accessible. Accordingly, the internal parts areless susceptible to damage. Additionally, this design is less likely tocause injury when used by children or infants.

[0014] As a result of utilizing a linkage element according to theinvention, it is possible to reliably lock the fork member and thus thewheel fork and the front wheel. Such a locking provision is easily beaccomplished by displacing or moving the linkage element. This designensures a high degree of operational safety and operational reliability.

[0015] The linkage element preferably utilizes stop surfaces whichcooperate with the latch element in a manner where they are brought intocontact with one another. In this way, the steering angle can be limitedto a particularly or desired range. This limited range of motion of thesteering angle can be realized according to the invention in differentways. The invention contemplates that the available steering angle isfreely selectable within a wide desired range. This is of particularadvantage to vehicles for children such as tricycles, which may requirea steering angle of approximately 45° to each side. Of course, otherdesirable steering angles can be utilized. However, by designing in thedesired limited steering angle, lateral tilting of the tricycle orsimilar devices can be prevented or their risk significantly reduced.Additionally, the risk of injuries which may be caused by the pedals,e.g., devices which utilize pedals on the front wheel can be reduced.Finally, the risk of injury which can occur when the handlebar exceeds acontrolled steering angle can be ruled out to a considerable extent.

[0016] The invention also provides for a linkage element having alocking element which is releasably connectable to the latch element.This design ensures that when a push rod is used for pushing the device,i.e., a tricycle, the front wheel thereof may be reliably locked inplace during straight travel.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the latch elementis designed in the form of a pin which extends in a direction transverseto the fork member. The pin may extend through the fork member such thatit projects at both sides of the fork member. Alternatively, the pin canproject from the fork member on only one side. Moreover, the pin can befirmly connected to the fork member, e.g. by welding or otherconventional attachment techniques. Additionally, it may be secured bypress fitting with or without utilizing a knurled portion. Of course,the dimensions of the pin can easily be adapted to the respectiveconditions of use.

[0018] It should be noted that the manufacturing costs of the steeringhead are reduced by the above-described construction to quite aconsiderable degree.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the linkageelement is substantially designed in the form of a hollow cylinder.Thus, the linkage element can be reliably guided in the support tube andsurround the fork member. Additionally, the linkage element can bedesigned as a single integral part or several parts which are eitherjoined together or which cooperate together.

[0020] It is advantageous for the longitudinal displacement or movementof the linkage element to be along an axis of the support tube and thefork member. Accordingly, the support tube may comprise at least onelongitudinal slot or a similar recess through which a connection elementextends which is connected to the linkage element. This design alsoutilizes a slide which is arranged outside the support tube.

[0021] The slide facilitates the ease of handling or movement of thelinkage element. In such a design, a displacement of the slide, whichmay additionally be provided with locking mechanism or fixing safetymechanism, effects a corresponding displacement or movement of thelinkage element. The locking mechanism or fixing mechanism allows forfixing the front wheel in a single or set travel position which ispreferably straight. Moreover, the invention also contemplates that thelinkage element may be provided with inclined inlet surfaces orintercepting mechanisms which engage the latch element so as to initiatea locking action when the front wheel is slightly deflected angularly.

[0022] Stop surfaces on the latch element are preferably formed on atleast one front attachment of the linkage element. Additionally, it isparticularly advantageous when two opposite attachments or stops are insymmetry with each other and are each provided with at least one stopsurface located on the linkage element. Thus, by utilizing twoattachments or stops which are in symmetry with each other, this designcan limit the steering angle in a symmetrical fashion to both the leftand the right side.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, theassociated stop surfaces of the attachments or stops act to limit therotation of the fork member to a predetermined angular range at bothsides. This angular range may e.g. be approximately 45° to both sides,for a total range of motion of approximately 90°.

[0024] The locking element is preferably designed in the form of atleast one front recess which receives the latch element. Such anadvantageous design makes it possible to grip and fix the latch elementupon displacement or movement of the linkage element. Additionally, itis advantageous that the recess be retracted or set back relative to thefront attachment, so that the attachments or stops can always remain inthe plane of the latch element, while upon a displacement of the latchelement, it is only the recess which can additionally be brought intoengagement.

[0025] To implement a simple and operationally reliable structure of thesteering head, it may be advantageous for the recess to be centrallyarranged between the two attachments or stops.

[0026] The invention also contemplates that the fork member itself hasnot been changed constructionally. In other words, the invention can beadapted to work with a conventional fork member. Also, the inventionmakes it possible to manufacture all functional parts separately in avery simple manner. As a result, advantageous on costs can be achieved.

[0027] In a preferred design of a previously described embodiment, thelinkage element is designed as part of a mudguard which extends frombelow into the support tube. This design allows for significant costsavings since the mudguard is normally made from plastics and istypically already included in most vehicles of the above described type.The linkage element can thus be mounted on the mudguard or madeintegrally therewith, in a particularly easy way and at low costs.

[0028] A further advantage of the this embodiment is that the latchelement can be designed in the form of a bolt which arranged to beparallel with the fork member. The latch element of this design can thusbe given relatively large dimensions so that the diameter of the supporttube itself need not be chosen with such a large size.

[0029] It may be of particular advantage when the latch element isconnected to a slide which extends into the support tube so as to beable to design the lock of the front wheel in a particularly simplemanner. Furthermore, the locking element may preferably be connected tothe slide. Moreover, the locking element serves to reliably maintain thelocked state and to prevent any unintended unlocking. The lockingelement also preferably engages into a recess of a bearing whichsupports the fork member in the support tube. As a result, it is notnecessary to mount additional parts or to take installation measures onthe support tube itself.

[0030] It may also be of particular advantage for the limitation of thesteering angle to be accomplished by a lower bearing which supports thefork member in the support tube. This lower bearing may have formedthereon an attachment which projects in the direction of the linkageelement and which can be brought into contact with the stop surfacesformed on the linkage element and thus on the mudguard. This design hasthe advantageous effect that the predetermined angular range can belimited at both sides as well, e.g. approximately 45° each side.

[0031] The invention provides a vehicle steering head including asupport tube which rotatably supports therein a fork member to which awheel fork and a handlebar can be secured, the steering head including alatch element projecting from the fork member and disposed within thesupport tube, and a linkage element disposed within the support tube,wherein the linkage element is moveable in a direction which issubstantially parallel to an axis of the fork member and comprises atleast one stop surface for limiting a rotation of the fork member whenthe latch element contacts the at least one stop surface. The linkageelement may further comprise at least one locking element for lockingthe fork member in a single position. The at least one locking elementmay releasably engage the latch element when the fork member is locked.The latch element may comprise a pin. The pin may project substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of the fork member. The linkage element maycomprise a substantially cylindrical shape. The linkage element maycomprise a plurality of hollow chambers separated by connecting walls.The support tube may comprise an opening which allows a connectingelement to pass therethrough. The opening may comprise a longitudinalslot. The connecting element may be secured to the linkage element. Themovement of the linkage element may be limited by the movement of theconnecting element within the longitudinal slot. The steering head mayfurther comprise a slide which is secured to the connecting element, theslide being disposed adjacent an outer surface of the support tube. Theat least one stop surface may be disposed on at least one stop.

[0032] The at least one stop may comprise a projection which extendsfrom the linkage element. The at least one stop may comprise awedge-shaped hollow projection having two angled lateral stop surfaces.The at least one stop may comprise two stops which are disposed oppositeone another. Each stop may comprise a wedge-shaped hollow projectionhaving two angled lateral stop surfaces. The two stops may define alimited range of rotational motion of the fork member in each of aclockwise and a counter-clockwise direction. The limited range of motionin the clockwise direction may be substantially equal to the range ofmotion in the counter-clockwise direction. The limited range of motionin one of the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction may beapproximately 45 degrees.

[0033] The linkage element may further comprise at least one lockingelement, the at least one locking element comprising at least one recesswhich is adapted to receive the latch element. The at least one recessis set back some distance from a surface of at least one stop. The atleast one recess is centrally disposed between at least two stops.

[0034] The steering head may further comprise an upper bearing disposedon one end of the support tube and a lower bearing disposed on anotherend of the support tube, each of the upper and lower bearings having anopening which allows the fork member to pass therethrough.

[0035] The steering head may be disposed on a tricycle frame.

[0036] The invention also provides for a vehicle steering head includinga support tube which rotatably supports therein a fork member to which awheel fork and a handlebar can be secured, the steering head including alatch element disposed within the support tube, the latch element beingmoveable in a direction which is substantially parallel to an axis ofthe fork member, and a linkage element connected to the fork member soas to rotate therewith, the linkage element comprising at least one stopsurface, wherein the at least one stop surface limits the rotation ofthe fork member with respect to the support tube. The steering head mayfurther comprise a slide, wherein the slide is disposed within thesupport tube and retains the latch element. The slide may furthercomprise at least one locking element for releasably securing the slideto the support tube. The linkage element may comprise a mudguard. Themudguard may be disposed between one end of the support tube and a wheelfork. The latch element may comprise a rod like member which is arrangedsubstantially parallel to the axis of the fork member. The rod likemember may comprise one of a bolt and a pin. The latch element may beconnected to a slide, the slide being disposed within the support tube.The slide may be moveable substantially parallel to the axis of the forkmember. A locking element may be connected to the slide.

[0037] The steering head may further comprise a bearing support disposedon at least one end of the support tube. The bearing support may bedisposed on a lower end of the support tube. The steering head mayfurther comprise a locking element disposed within the support tube, thelocking element being insertable into a recess of the bearing support.The bearing support may comprise at least one stop, the at least onestop comprising at least one surface which engages the linkage element.The at least one stop may comprise a projection which engages a recessin the linkage element. The projection and the recess may cooperate tolimit the rotational movement of the fork member within a desired range.The range of the rotational movement may be limited by at least two stopsurfaces. The at least two stop surfaces may define a limited range ofrotation in one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction. The atleast two stop surfaces may define a limited range of rotation in eachof a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction. The limited range ofrotation between the at least two stops may be approximately 45 degrees.

[0038] The steering head may be disposed on a tricycle frame.

[0039] The invention further provides for a vehicle steering headincluding a support tube and fork member which is rotatably mounted withrespect to the support tube, the steering head including an upperbearing support disposed at an upper end of the support tube and a lowerbearing support disposed at a lower end of the support tube. The forkmember comprises a fork end, a handlebar, and a latch element projectingfrom the fork member between the fork end and the handlebar end. Thelatch element is disposed within the support tube and a linkage elementis slidably disposed within the support tube. The linkage elementcomprises at least one stop surface for engaging the latch element,wherein the linkage element is moveable in a direction which issubstantially parallel to an axis of the fork member from a firstposition where the latch element and the at least one stop cooperate tolimit the rotational movement of the fork member to a second positionwhere the latch element releasably engages a locking element disposed onthe linkage element whereby the fork member is prevented from rotatingin any direction. The linkage element may be moveable from outside thesupport tube via a slide. The slide may be connected to the linkageelement via a connection element, the connection element passing througha longitudinal in the support tube. The longitudinal slot may limit themovement of the linkage element.

[0040] The invention also relates to a vehicle steering head including asupport tube and fork member which is rotatably mounted with respect tothe support tube, the steering head including an upper bearing supportdisposed at an upper end of the support tube and a lower bearing supportdisposed at a lower end of the support tube. The lower bearing supportcomprises at least one stop surface, the fork member comprising a forkend, a handlebar, and a latch element which is slidably disposedadjacent the fork member between the fork end and the handlebar end, thelatch element being disposed within the support tube and a linkageelement moveably disposed adjacent the lower support bearing. Thelinkage element comprises at least one stop surface for engaging the atleast one stop surface of the lower bearing support and comprising arecess for receiving the latch element, wherein the linkage element ismoveable in a direction which is substantially parallel to an axis ofthe fork member from a first position where the latch element engagesonly the lower bearing support and where the at least one stop of thelower bearing support cooperates with the at least one stop of thelinkage element to limit the rotational movement of the fork member to asecond position where the latch element releasably engages a recess inthe linkage element whereby the fork member is prevented from rotatingin any direction. The linkage element may be moveable from outside thesupport tube via a slide. The slide may be connected to the linkageelement via a connection element, the connection element passing througha longitudinal in the support tube. The longitudinal slot may limit themovement of the linkage element. The linkage element may furthercomprise at least one locking element for engaging a locking recess inthe lower bearing support. The at least one locking element engages thelocking recess of the lower bearing support when the latch elementengages the recess in the linkage element.

[0041] The invention provides for a vehicle steering head including afork member adapted to engage a handlebar, a support tube whichrotatably supports the fork member, a latch element disposed within thesupport tube, and a slide which is moveable with respect to the supporttube, wherein the slide is moveable from at least one position whereinlinkage element prevents the fork member from rotating with respect tothe support tube to at least another position wherein the linkageelement allows the fork member to rotate with respect to the supporttube in at least two directions. The latch element may comprise arod-like member.

[0042] The invention also provides for a vehicle steering head thatincludes a support tube adapted to be coupled to a vehicle frame, anupper bearing support arranged at an upper end of the support tube, alower bearing support arranged at a lower end of the support tube, thelower bearing support comprising at least one stop surface, acylindrical element rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upperand lower bearing supports, the cylindrical element having one end thatis adapted to be connected to a wheel fork and another end that isadapted to be connected to a handlebar, a latch element movably disposedwithin the support tube, a slide coupled to the latch element, the latchelement being movable from outside the support tube, a linkage elementthat is rotatable with respect to the support tube, and the linkageelement cooperating with the lower bearing support to limit a rotationalmovement of the linkage element with respect to the support tube,wherein the latch element and the linkage element are releasablyengagable with each other to prevent rotational movement of thecylindrical element.

[0043] The invention also provides for a vehicle steering headcomprising a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame, a fork memberadapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar, the fork member beingrotatable with respect to the support tube, a mechanism which limits therotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions, and alower bearing support mounted to the support tube, wherein the mechanismand the lower bearing support cooperate to limit the rotational movementof the fork member.

[0044] The lower bearing support may be non-rotatably fixed to thesupport tube. The lower bearing support may comprise at least one stopsurface. The lower bearing support may comprise two stop surfaces. Themechanism may comprise at least one stop surface. The mechanism maycomprise two stop surfaces. The mechanism may comprise a linkage elementhaving at least one stop surface. The linkage element may rotate withthe fork member. The linkage element may be arranged on a mudguard. Thefork member may be cylindrically shaped. The steering head may furthercomprise a handlebar connected to one end of the fork member and a wheelfork connected to another end of the fork member.

[0045] The invention also provides a vehicle steering head comprising asupport tube adapted to be fixed to a frame, a cylindrical memberadapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar, the cylindrical memberbeing rotatable with respect to the support tube, a linkage elementbeing movable and comprising at least two stop surfaces, wherein one ofthe at least two stop surfaces limits the rotation of the cylindricalmember in one direction, and wherein another of the at least two stopsurfaces limits the rotation of the cylindrical member in anotherdirection.

[0046] The linkage element may rotate with the cylindrical member. Thelinkage element may rotate with a mudguard.

[0047] The invention also provides for a vehicle steering headcomprising a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame, a connectingelement adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar, the connectingelement being rotatable with respect to the support tube, a linkageelement being rotatable and comprising at least two stop surfaces, amudguard that rotates with the linkage element, one of the at least twostop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in onedirection, and another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting therotation of the connecting element in another direction.

[0048] The invention also provides for a vehicle steering headcomprising a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame, a fork memberadapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar, the fork member beingrotatable with respect to the support tube, and a system which limitsthe rotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions,wherein the system includes one part which is non-rotatably mounted tothe support tube and another part which rotates with the fork member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The present invention is further described in the detaileddescription which follows, in reference to the noted plurality ofdrawings by way of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the presentinvention, in which like reference numerals represent similar partsthroughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

[0050]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a children's tricycle with oneembodiment of the vehicle steering head according to the invention;

[0051]FIG. 2 is a simplified sectional side view of the steering headaccording to the invention in an unlocked state;

[0052]FIG. 3 is a side view, turned or oriented by 90° (a right angle)of the arrangement shown in FIG. 2;

[0053]FIG. 4 is a sectional side view similar to FIG. 2, in the lockedstate; FIG. 5 is a side view, similar to FIG. 3, of the view accordingto FIG. 4;

[0054]FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective illustration of the linkageelement according to the invention;

[0055]FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a children's tricycle withanother embodiment of the vehicle steering head according to theinvention;

[0056]FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of the vehicle steering headaccording to the invention, in the unlocked state;

[0057]FIG. 9 is a side view, turned or oriented by 90° of thearrangement shown in FIG. 8;

[0058]FIG. 10 is a sectional side view similar to FIG. 8, in the lockedstate;

[0059]FIG. 11 is a side view, turned or oriented by 90° which is similarto FIG. 9, in the locked state;

[0060]FIG. 12 is a top view on the linkage element according to theinvention and on the associated mudguard;

[0061]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the arrangement according to FIG.12 along the sectional lines XIII-XIII of FIG. 12;

[0062]FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view showing a portion of the slideand of the locking element in the locked state;

[0063]FIG. 15 is a view analogous to FIG. 14, in the unlocked state;

[0064]FIG. 16 is a top view on the slide; and

[0065]FIG. 17 is a top view on the lower bearing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and forpurposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the presentinvention only and are presented in the cause of providing what isbelieved to be the most useful and readily understood description of theprinciples and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In thisregard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the presentinvention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamentalunderstanding of the present invention, the description taken with thedrawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the severalforms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

[0067] A children's tricycle is shown in FIG. 1 and comprises a frontwheel 14 which is supported on a wheel fork 4. Wheel fork 4 is fixedlyconnected to a fork member 3. A handlebar (not shown) can be secured tothe upper end of fork member 3.

[0068] Fork member 3 is supported in a support tube 2. This support isaccomplished by utilizing slide bearings 15 and 15′ which are shown indetail in FIGS. 2 to 5. The slide bearings 15 and 15′ correspond tothose of the prior art in this embodiment so that a detailed descriptionis not needed.

[0069] Support tube 2 is firmly connected to a frame 16 which hasmounted thereon a seat 17. The tricycle also has a rear axle 18 withrear wheels 19. Accordingly, a support tube 2 and a fork member 3 form asteering head 1.

[0070] According to the invention, support tube 2 has arranged therein alinkage element 6 which has a substantially cylindrical configuration(see also FIG. 6) and which is received with a play or clearance (sothat it can slide) within support tube 2. Linkage element 6 is alsoprovided with a central recess through which fork member 3 extends orpasses.

[0071] Support tube 2 also has formed therein a longitudinal slot 9through which a connection element 10 extends or passes. This connectionelement 10 is connected to a slide 11 and linkage element 6. Theconnection may be via a screw 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) or otherconventional connecting mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment,connection element 10 is integrally connected to or formed with slide 11and extends in a recess 21 of linkage element 6. However, connectionelement 10 and slide 11 may be made as separate components which arejoined or secured together by any conventional attachment techniqueincluding a screw or threaded element.

[0072] On its front upper portion, linkage element 6 comprises twosymmetrical opposite attachments or stops 12. Each of these stops 12 maybe provided with lateral stop surfaces 7. When viewed from the top,these attachments or stops 12 are designed in a manner of a segment of apartial circle (pie shaped or wedge shaped), so that four stop surfaces7 are formed, with each one being arranged in symmetry with one another.Of course, stops 12 may be separately formed and attached to linkageelement 6 instead of being integrally formed therewith, as is shown.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment two locking elements 8 may beutilized in which each is formed by a recess 13. These locking elements8 are preferably provided on linkage element 6 in retracted or set backmanner with respect to stops 12. As is apparent from FIG. 6, the wallsof at least one recess 13 may be made resilient to ensure a releasablelocking of a bolt-like latch element 5 when linkage element 6 is pushedupwards or into engagement with bolt-like latch element 5.

[0074] As is apparent from FIGS. 2 to 5, fork member 3 is provided witha bolt-like or pin-like latch element 5 which extends or projects fromat least one and preferably both sides of fork member 3. Of course,latch element 5 may be integrally formed with fork member.Alternatively, latch element 5 may be a threaded or partially threadedmember which threads into fork member 3. However, it is preferred thatlatch element 5 be a pin having a centrally disposed exterior knurlwhich is press fit into a fork member as is shown. In its workingposition, latch element 5 rotates with fork member 3 when a deflectionor rotation of the handlebar takes place. The deflection of thehandlebar is limited by way of latch element 5 abutting on stop surfaces7, these stop surfaces 7 defining the limited range of motion of thehandlebar.

[0075] When it is desired to lock the handlebar in a set position, latchelement 5 is pressed or forced into recesses 13. This engagement occurswhen locking element 8, which is disposed on linkage element 6, ispushed upwards by slide 11. Recesses 13 also utilize inclined inletsurfaces because they act as guiding lead-in surfaces which facilitateentry of pin 5 into recess 13. In the locked state, which is shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, a steering movement thus becomes impossible since thehandlebar or fork member 3 is locked in a single direction. FIGS. 2 and3 show a downwardly displaced condition of linkage element 6 in whichlatch element 5 is in a position which it does not cooperate with thelocking element 8. As a result, in this position fork member 3 andhandlebar are free to rotate until latch element 5 abuts on stopsurfaces 7, this range of movement or rotation corresponding to asteering angle range.

[0076] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, linkage element6 may be made from a plastic material. Of course, other materials arealso contemplated.

[0077] Another embodiment of the vehicle steering head according to theinvention is described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16. In this regard,like parts are provided with like reference numerals.

[0078] As for the description of FIG. 7, reference can be made to thedescription of FIG. 1 to the extent that the same features are shown.The subsequent figures are illustrations elucidating the details whichhave been changed.

[0079] As in FIGS. 2 to 5, FIGS. 8 and 9 and 10 and 11, respectively,are illustrations showing the vehicle steering head on an enlargedscale. Again, like parts are here also provided with like referencenumerals, so that reference can be made to the preceding explanations.Slide 11 utilizes connection element 10 and screw 20. Connection element10 also extends through a longitudinal slot 9. Moreover, slide 11comprises an outer grip portion 11 and an interior portion 11′ which isscrewed to outer grip portion 11 by a screw 20. A top view of slide 11and 11′ is shown in FIG. 16. As can be seen in this figure, a centralrecess 24 is provided through which fork member 3 extends or passes(with a clearance which allows slide 11′ to move up and down withrespect to fork member 3). Furthermore, slide 11′ also has a recess (seeFIGS. 9, 11 and 16) which is formed so that it can accept a bolt-likelatch element 5′. Of course, this latch element 5′ may be pressed intothis recess, threaded into the recess, or otherwise secured to slide 11′in a suitable manner. Alternatively, latch element 5′ may be integrallyformed with slide 11′.

[0080] As already described in conjunction with a previous embodiment, abearing 15 which serves as a slide bearing is used on the upper portionof steering head 1.

[0081] Lower bearing 15′ in this embodiment is configured such that ithas an upwardly projecting contour of a linkage element 6′ which canextend into bearing 15′. Of course, the bearing and the upwardlyprojecting contour may be made as separate components which are joinedtogether by conventional techniques rather than integrally formed as isshown. Additionally, as becomes apparent in FIG. 12, linkage element 6′may have a recess 25 into which latch element 5′ can be inserted (seealso FIGS. 9 and 11).

[0082] As can further be seen from the top view of FIG. 12, linkageelement 6′ comprises two lateral stop surfaces 7 which are angularlyspaced apart from each other. This design is such that a downwardlyoriented attachment or stop 26 (see FIGS. 8 to 11) of the bearing 15′,which is connected to support tube 2, forms a steering limitation ofplus/minus approximately 45°. Of course, as with the previousembodiment, the range of steering limitation can be designed to anydesired range.

[0083]FIG. 13 shows a lateral sectional view of mudguard 22 and oflinkage element 6′. Note that these components are integrally formed asa single member which reduces manufacturing costs associated withjoining two separate components.

[0084]FIGS. 14 and 15 are front views of slide 11′ wherein handpiece 11has been removed to illustrate the operation of locking element 8′.Locking element 8′ is U-shaped and includes two movable or flexiblelateral legs which can releasably be inserted into a recess 23 ofbearing 15′. Upon insertion and locking, locking element 8′ is pressedagainst an undercut and thereby held in position inside recess 23.Accordingly, when it is desired to release the locked state of forkmember 3, slide 11′ must be pushed upwards which removes the legs fromrecess 23. Of course, other locking mechanisms may be utilized and thisembodiment is not limited to the use of this particular lockingmechanism. For example, a pin may be used which has a floating ringdisposed around its circumference. Alternatively, other conventionalreleasable locking mechanisms may be utilized.

[0085]FIG. 17 is a top view on lower bearing 15′ on an enlarged scale.The (downwardly projecting) attachment or stop 26 can be seen here ascan recess 23 which receives locking element 8′. Moreover, recess 27 isadapted to receive and guide bolt-like latch element 5′ therein.Furthermore, a surrounding collar-like edge 28 can be seen in which 29designates two oppositely disposed attachments or projections whichserve as anti-rotation engagements. These engagements are designed toengage recesses (not shown) of support tube 2. Of course, lower bearingmay be secured to support tube 2 in any conventional manner such as bybonding, welding, or screws. Moreover, this attachment may be releasableor more permanent in nature.

[0086] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merelyfor the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed aslimiting of the present invention. While the present invention has beendescribed with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understoodthat the words which have been used herein are words of description andillustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made,within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and asamended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention in its aspects. Although the present invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends toall functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as arewithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A vehicle steering head comprising: a support tubeadapted to be fixed to a frame; a connecting member adapted to connect awheel fork to a handlebar; a mechanism which limits the rotationalmovement of the connecting member in each of two directions; an upperbearing support mounted to an upper end of the support tube; and a lowerbearing support mounted to a lower end of the support tube, theconnecting member being rotatably mounted to the support tube via theupper and lower bearing supports; wherein the mechanism and the lowerbearing support cooperate to limit the rotational movement of theconnecting member.
 2. The steering head of claim 1, wherein the upperand lower bearing supports are each non-rotatably fixed to the supporttube.
 3. The steering head of claim 1, wherein the lower bearing supportcomprises at least one stop surface.
 4. The steering head of claim 3,wherein the lower bearing support comprises two stop surfaces.
 5. Thesteering head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises at least onestop surface.
 6. The steering head of claim 5, wherein the mechanismcomprises two stop surfaces.
 7. The steering head of claim 1, whereinthe mechanism comprises a linkage element having at least one stopsurface.
 8. The steering head of claim 7, wherein the linkage elementrotates with the connecting member.
 9. The steering head of claim 7,wherein the linkage element is arranged on a mudguard.
 10. The steeringhead of claim 1, wherein the connecting member is cylindrically shaped.11. The steering head of claim 1, further comprising a handlebarconnected to one end of the connecting member and a wheel fork connectedto another end of the connecting member.
 12. A vehicle steering headcomprising: a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame; a cylindricalmember adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar; the cylindricalmember being rotatable with respect to the support tube; a recessedportion comprising first and second stop surfaces; a projecting portionconfigured to move within the recessed portion and comprising first andsecond stop surfaces, wherein contact between the first stop surfaces ofthe projecting portion and the recessed portion limits the rotation ofthe cylindrical member in one direction, and wherein contact between thesecond stop surfaces of the projecting portion and the recessed portionlimits the rotation of the cylindrical member in another direction. 13.The steering head of claim 12, further comprising: a linkage elementthat includes the projecting portion and that rotates with thecylindrical member; and a lower bearing support which includes therecessed portion.
 14. The steering head of claim 13, wherein the linkageelement is coupled to a mudguard.
 15. A vehicle steering headcomprising: a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame; a connectingelement adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar; the connectingelement being rotatably mounted to the support tube via upper and lowerbearing supports; a rotatably mounted linkage element comprising atleast two stop surfaces; the linkage element engaging the lower bearingsupport; a mudguard that rotates with the linkage element; one of the atleast two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting elementin one direction; and another of the at least two stop surfaces limitingthe rotation of the connecting element in another direction.
 16. Avehicle steering head comprising: a support tube adapted to be fixed toa frame; a connecting member adapted to connect a wheel fork to ahandlebar; the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the supporttube via upper and lower bearing supports; a system which limits therotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions,wherein the system includes a projecting part and a recessed part whichis configured to receive the projecting part, and wherein recessed partis non-rotatably mounted and wherein the projecting part rotates withthe connecting member.
 17. A vehicle steering head comprising: a supporttube adapted to be fixed to a frame; a connecting element adapted toconnect a wheel fork to a handlebar; the connecting element beingrotatably mounted to the support tube via upper and lower bearingsupports; a mechanism that is rotatable and comprises at least two stopsurfaces; the mechanism engaging with the lower bearing support; one ofthe at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connectingelement in one direction; and another of the at least two stop surfaceslimiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction.18. The vehicle steering head of claim 17, further comprising a devicethat engages the mechanism to prevent movement thereof.
 19. The vehiclesteering head of claim 18, wherein the device that engages the mechanismcomprises a pin.
 20. The vehicle steering head of claim 17, wherein thelower bearing support comprises at least two stop surfaces that areengagable with the at least two stop surfaces of the mechanism.
 21. Avehicle steering head comprising: a support tube adapted to be fixed toa frame; a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to ahandlebar; the connecting element being rotatable with respect to thesupport tube; a movable locking member which engages with an opening toprevent rotational movement of the connecting element and whichdisengages from the opening to allow rotational movement of theconnecting element; a first stop surface limiting the rotation of theconnecting element in one direction; and a second stop surface limitingthe rotation of the connecting element in another direction.
 22. Thevehicle steering head of claim 21, wherein the first and second stopsurfaces move with a mudguard.
 23. The vehicle steering head of claim21, wherein the first and second stop surfaces are disposed on amudguard.
 24. The vehicle steering head of claim 21, wherein the openingrotates with the connecting element.
 25. The vehicle steering head ofclaim 21, wherein the movable locking member comprises a pin.
 26. Thevehicle steering head of claim 21, wherein the first and second stopsurfaces moveably engage two stop surfaces which do not move.
 27. Thevehicle steering head of claim 21, further comprising a lower bearingsupport that comprises the two stop surfaces which do not move, whereinthe two stop surfaces which do not move engage the first and second stopsurfaces.
 28. A vehicle steering head comprising: a support tube adaptedto be fixed to a frame; a connecting member adapted to connect a wheelfork to a handlebar; the connecting member being rotatable with respectto the support tube; and a system which limits the rotational movementof the fork member in each of two directions; the system including onepart which is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube and another partwhich rotates with the connecting member, wherein the one part is aprojection and the another part is a guiding recess within which theprojection is moves.
 29. A vehicle steering head comprising: a supporttube adapted to be fixed to a frame; a cylindrical member adapted toconnect a wheel fork to a handlebar; the cylindrical member beingrotatably mounted to the support tube; and a system which limits therotational movement of the cylindrical member in each of two directions,the system including one part which is non-rotatably mounted to thesupport tube and another part which rotates with the cylindrical member;and a locking system comprising a pin and an opening configured toreceive the pin; the pin being configured to move in a direction whichis parallel to an axis of the support tube; and the opening beingconfigured to rotate with the cylindrical member, wherein, when the pinengages the opening, the cylindrical member is prevented from rotating,and wherein when the pin does not engage the opening, the cylindricalmember is free to rotate in each of two directions.
 30. A vehiclesteering head for one of a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, saidsteering head comprising: a support tube adapted to be fixed to theframe; a lower bearing support non-movably mounted to the support tube;a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar; theconnecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube; amechanism that limits rotational movement of the connecting element; themechanism comprising at least two stop surfaces which engage with firstand second stop surfaces of the lower bearing support; one of the atleast two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting elementin one direction; and another of the at least two stop surfaces limitingthe rotation of the connecting element in another direction.
 31. Thevehicle steering head of claim 30, wherein the mechanism is coupled to amudguard.
 32. The vehicle steering head of claim 30, further comprisinga device that engages the mechanism to prevent movement thereof.
 33. Thevehicle steering head of claim 32, wherein the device that engages themechanism comprises a pin.
 34. A vehicle steering head for a bicycle ora tricycle having a frame, comprising: a support tube fixed to theframe; a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to ahandlebar; the connecting element being configured to rotate withrespect to the support tube; a mechanism that limits rotational movementof the connecting element; the mechanism comprising at least two stopsurfaces; one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation ofthe connecting element in one direction; another of the at least twostop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in anotherdirection; and a locking system that prevents rotational movement of theconnecting element, the locking system comprising a movable engagingmember and an opening that can receive the engaging member and which canmove with the connecting element.
 35. The vehicle steering head of claim34, wherein the engaging member can move between a first position thatallows the connecting element to rotate in each of two directions and asecond position wherein the connecting element is prevented fromrotational movement in each of the two directions.
 36. The vehiclesteering head of claim 34, wherein the engaging member can move from afirst position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, theconnecting element can rotate in each of two directions and wherein, inthe second position, the engaging member enters the opening and theconnecting element is prevented from rotational movement in each of thetwo directions.